Cole County commissioners set RFP timeline for Law Enforcement Center HVAC, ratify noon closure on Dec. 24

During the Dec. 23 session, Cole County commissioners discussed capital items and a holiday schedule. Staff (Speaker 3 and Speaker 9, Unidentified Speakers) reported they had received updated HVAC drawings and expected to post the RFP about Jan. 15, with pre-bid meetings in late January or early February. Water softeners for the facility were confirmed as part of next year’s capital budget and will be drafted once the budget is approved.

Later in the meeting commissioners moved to ratify a verbal decision made the previous day to close county offices at noon on Dec. 24. Speaker 5 (Unidentified Speaker) moved to ratify the closure; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners discussed operational impacts including payroll head‑ache and staffing coverage and confirmed the county would remain open on Friday.

Why it matters: The HVAC procurement is the procedural step toward capital repairs at a county facility; posting an RFP begins the formal vendor-selection process. The ratified early closure is an administrative decision affecting county services for the holiday.

Next steps: Staff will post the HVAC RFP around Jan. 15, proceed with pre-bid meetings as scheduled, and process administrative steps to implement the Dec. 24 noon closure as ratified.